Hedge Funds 'Elect' Democrats in '08 Race

Hedge funds - the large, private pools of investment capital - and private equity firms, are giving campaign funds to Democrats at a faster pace than Republicans in this year's presidential race.

The groups gave more money to Democrats in the 2004 presidential election than to Republicans. The congressional battle in 2006 saw a similar outcome. For 2008, the trend is continuing, according to the Center for Responsive politics. The group calls itself a non-partisan campaign finance research organization.

Hedge fund and private equity donations totaled $6.4 million in 2007 for presidential candidates. The distribution was 59.7 percent for Democrats and 40.3 percent for Republicans.

While the individual limits for donors is $2,300, individuals at a company can combine to generate a greater sum. The totals were calculated from Federal Election Commission data released February 1.

Among the major candidates still running, Democratic New York Sen. Hillary Clinton received $1,266,342. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama took in $1,040,185.

For Republicans, Arizona Sen. John McCain received $394,850. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee received $5,150.

Notable gainers no longer in the race include former Republican New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who received $1,241,600.Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut received $999,450. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney received $837,125.

Here is a list of candidates and their donations for the 2008 presidential race.

Hillary Clinton (D) $1,266,342

Rudolph W. Giuliani (R) $1,241,600

Barack Obama (D) $1,040,185

Christopher J. Dodd (D) $999,450

Mitt Romney (R) $837,125

John McCain (R) $394,850

John Edwards (D) $255,420

Bill Richardson (D) $184,300

Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D) $70,900

Fred Thompson (R) $48,500

Sam Brownback (R) $22,150

Ron Paul (R) $17,225

Thomas J. Vilsack (D) $7,100

Tommy Thompson (R) $6,900

Mike Huckabee (R) $5,150

Tom Tancredo (R) $2,300

Duncan Hunter (R) $1,000

Dennis J. Kucinich (D) $200

According to the CRP, totals were calculated from PAC contributions and contributions from individuals giving more than $200, as reported to the Federal Election Commission.

Individual contributions are generally categorized based on the donor's occupation or employer, although individuals may be classified instead as ideological donors if they've given more than $200 to an ideological PAC. The figures are for the 2008 election cycle and based on Federal Election Commission data released on Friday, February 01, 2008.